Detroit Lions DT John Penisini announces shock retirement at 25, NFL fans react

Earlier on Saturday, Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Penisini took to social media to announce that he will be retiring from the NFL after just two seasons. NFL fans online were left stunned at Pensini’s decision to draw curtains on his football stint as the defensive player was only 25 at the time of his retirement.

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John Penisini retirement: Why did the Lions star decide to draw curtains on short NFL career?

While there has been no official reason mentioned by Penisini, his decision to retire from football comes only a few days after he sat out of the Detroit Lions’ mandatory minicamp. However, a few reports suggest that he didn’t want to continue in the league after suffering a major injury in 2021.

In a post on Instagram, Penisini announced his retirement and thanked his friends, family and teammates for making his dream come true. “I have made the decision to retire from football. I’m definitely going to miss my teammates and the coaching staff but I’m glad I got to experience it. I’m happy and excited for whatever life has for me. For my family, friends, teammates, coaches and all the people who supported my dream along the way I appreciate and love you guys. Go Lions.” he wrote.

Penisini was selected by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The six-foot-two, 335 lb man was initially groomed to be the Lions’ nose tackle under Matt Patricia’s 3-4 defense, but later proved that he was a tougher fit in Detroit’s new defense under Aaron Glenn. Glenn’s philosophy and coaching involved a more attacking front, rather than a two-gapping scheme that fit Penisini’s skillset better.

In his two-year sojourn in the NFL, Penisini’s finished with 32 games played, 12 starts and 49 tackles, and one sack.

Fans on social media react as at John Penisini’s sudden retirement at 25 years of age

On Twitter, a number of NFL fans were taken aback after Penisini announced his retirement. One wrote, ‘Can’t believe Penisini has retired at just 25′ while another added, “Penisini was expected to be a great rotational player for the Lions, really stunned that he has decided to hang his boots.’

Here are a few more reactions to Penisini’s retirement: